Artificial Disc-TDR (Total Disc Replacement)

Highly invasive: large incision and excessive cutting of normal tissues between skin and spine during Total Disc Replacement.

Excessive and unnecessary bleeding during and after surgery from tissue trauma by the surgeon.

Unnecessary removal of a functional disc

Destruction of normal stabilizing spinal ligaments by the surgeon during Total Disc Replacement.

Destruction of normal muscles around the spine by the surgeon during Total Disc Replacement.

Excessive scar tissue forms around the spine and nerves after Total Disc Replacement.

Complications are common after Total Disc Replacement.

Spinal instability is common after Total Disc Replacement.

Disc herniations and degenerated discs are not treated properly when Total Disc Replacement is performed. The source of back pain (inflammation) is not removed. Untreated posterior annular tear and herniation is the most common cause of back and leg pain after Total Disc Replacement.

Stenosis either persists or reoccurs commonly after Total Disc Replacement and will require additional surgery.

Adjacent segment disease is common after Total Disc Replacement and requires additional surgery.

Excessive postoperative pain always occurs after Total Disc Replacement due to soft tissue injury, muscle trauma and necrosis all caused by the surgeon. During Total Disc Replacement the muscles of the abdominal wall are cut and intestines displaced, to get down to the disc. The surgically damaged tissues cause severe postoperative inflammation and pain that always requires opioid painkillers and muscle relaxers after Total Disc Replacement. Opioid painkillers are highly addicting, cause tolerance, abuse and even death from breathing failure.

Back pain often becomes worse after Total Disc Replacement. Pain management will be recommended indefinitely.

Total Disc Replacement has one of the highest chances of complications including bowel perforation, vascular injury and sexual dysfunction.

Long operating times are needed for Total Disc Replacement.

General intubated anesthesia is needed for Total Disc Replacement.

Additional surgery will be necessary in many patients having Total Disc Replacement.

Most Total Disc Replacement patients end up in pain management after surgery.

Nerve root damage

Spinal fluid leak

Infection: discitis, osteomyelitis, blood, spinal fluid, lungs, bladder & kidney

Recurrent disc herniation

Residual stenosis

Hardware failure: implant migration or separation

Proximal junction kyphosis and failure

Vertebral fracture, subsidence, telescoping of implant

Adjacent segment disease, spinal instability

Deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, heart attack, pneumothorax

Failed back surgery, chronic pain

Sexual dysfunction, retrograde ejaculation

Injury to blood vessels, bladder or ureters

Excessive scar tissue formation

Heterotopic ossification, osteonecrosis

Death

Excessive radiation exposure

Allergic reactions